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Topic Review (Newest First)

10-03-2011 04:57 AM

rgscpat

I like to think of three parts to anchoring, (1) selecting and setting up your gear, (2) selecting the best place to anchoring, and (3) actually doing the anchoring.

A 15 lb. anchor is generally plenty for a 16' dinghy, assuming the rode is the right length, the connections are solid, and the anchor is a decent design for the conditions. Long-term mooring is a different subject, and chafe protection for the anchor line might be an issue in windy conditions or perhaps if the boat has sharp cleats or other edges.

Site selection is about protection from wind, depth, bottom type (marked on charts or known to locals), other boats or hazards, swing with changes in wind and current, potential lee shores, and just plain old convenience.

Typical textbooks will have to prepare the anchor rode so it will go out without tangling, lowering the anchor but not throwing it, and backing down firmly but not at a breakneck pace, feeling the rode to make sure the anchor isn't skating or skipping, and taking cross bearings on the shore so you can check later to make sure you haven't dragged or moved beyond normal swings and shifts.

Beyond that, there are all kinds of "Anchor Wars" threads which will tell you which, without a doubt, is the number one supremo perfect anchor. Except for the next guy who will tell you about the REAL numero uno perfecto ultimo anchor. "Your mileage may vary."

09-25-2011 01:23 PM

smallboatlover

i'm using a 15lbs anchor.

09-24-2011 10:08 PM

GaryHLucas

It's a small boat. If it were me I'd simply get a larger anchor with a little more chain to make sure it stays put. Whats the big deal between a 7 lb anchor that might hold, and a 15 lb one that definitely will? On a big boat the big deal is how you'd get it back on board, not so with a little boat.

Gary H. Lucas

09-24-2011 08:31 PM

smallboatlover

yes swing up center board. Well hopefully if the wind is blowing the right way i can do this. The reason i said this because the wind usally blows the same way. i will put a anchor in the water 30' from the shore to make sure its set and the a beach anchor on the beach to keep the boat in on direction and so i can pull my self to shore.

i will probally just motor up to the beach get off set a beach anchor spike. Then i would motor out about 5' so at low tide i'm still afloat. then set and anchor there and keep the boat straight into the wind.

Will your only anchor be the one set on the beach? If so, you will have to be certain that the wind will continue to blow off the beach while you are there. If you are planning to set on the beach and another when you motor back, you will not necessarily remain into the wind. I'm a bit confused by the plan.

Some beaches won't have enough depth to run the motor when you get in that close either. At the least, I assume you have a removable centerboard.

09-24-2011 07:24 PM

smallboatlover

i will probally just motor up to the beach get off set a beach anchor spike. Then i would motor out about 5' so at low tide i'm still afloat. then set and anchor there and keep the boat straight into the wind.

09-22-2011 08:51 PM

Siamese

I would want to minimize the amount of gear I was carrying on a 16 footer. That would include anchor and chain...IF...I was able to beach the boat to overnight on it. Depends on where you sail, of course.

My boat is 31 feet with a fixed keel, so beaching isn't much of an option for me. You have a bit of an advantage over most of us in that you have the option of beaching. If, on a given night, I had the option of anchoring or beaching my 16 footer, I would definitely beach it.

09-22-2011 06:06 PM

Cherie320

That boom tent is a good idea. 9x12 plastic tarp would work as a start. Use lots of zip lock bags. They will keep your socks and underware dry. Good way to store lots of things.

Anchor - 5 gallon bucket, light weight danforth or claw type, 3 ft of 1/4" chain, 100 ft of 1/4" 3 strand nylon and gloves. All fits in bucket to store away. Don't forget to secure the line to the boat before you drop the anchor overboard. And see if it is a better option to move in close to shore and use a spring line between two trees. Enjoy!

09-22-2011 01:42 PM

sailortjk1

Just found a picture of the Mistral 16 on sailing texas.
Great looking little boat! Looks like a ton of fun to sail.
Stowing the anchor is going to be an issue. I think you are going to like the disassemble feature of the fortress.
I would also look into fabricating a boom tent for yourself. Nothing worse than waking up soaking wet from an overnight rain shower. It will also keep you protected from the hot sun during the day time.
Good luck with your plans and go for it.

09-22-2011 01:29 PM

sailortjk1

I would recommend a small little Fortress. One key point for the Fortress is it is that you can disassemble it for easy storage. Storage on a small boat without an anchor roller might be a problem. The Fortress should help. You can even get a canvas carrying bag for them.